Welcome to Summer Quarter!

Summer comes late to where I live, in Montana. By the first of June the trees are still leafing out, making us cherish these beautiful days when they come. What are you plans for the summer quarter related to your dissertation? It can be hard to set aside time for writing when there are so many other things clamoring for attention. My suggestion is to carefully make out a weekly plan, leading to your final quarter goal. Write in any family plans or commitments and realistically set weekly goals for yourself.

Make this quarter the one in which you make great progress and move ahead! Next time, we will look at how long a dissertation should take. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Send me an email with your ideas. leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu

Making connections when writing

Students often ask me, how do I connect the literature in my study? When you think about it, you are required to take a series of very different ideas/ literature and put them together in a way that makes logical sense. By definition, you are doing something very creative, it has never been done that way before. Somehow, you have to link these ideas as you go, so that the writing flows easily and doesn’t lose your reader.

There are a couple of ways that I have found to accomplish this. Let's use an example paper for illustrative purposes. I will be using a paper that published in an education journal on developing virtual research labs (Stadtlander, Giles, & Sickel, 2013). The first way to link ideas is to preview them in an introduction to the paper or to a subsection (in green in the example below). A second way is to end a paragraph with the topic that will be discussed in the subsequent one (in red).

In a land-based lab, students gain exposure to a positive research-training environment, faculty modeling of research skills and enthusiasm for the research process, and the social experience of working with others (Love et al., 2007). These factors have been reported to increase student research self-efficacy and lead to higher research productivity (Hollingsworth & Fassinger, 2002; Phillips & Russell, 1994). The land-based academic research training environment has been found to predict research outcome expectations (Bishop & Bieschke, 1998; Kahn, 2001) and research investigative interests (Bishop & Bieschke, 1998; Kahn, 2001).

It is not known, however, if a virtual lab can provide the research skills and research interest as seen in a land-based lab. In an attempt to examine this issue, the current study recruited 10 doctoral psychology students at an online university to participate in a 3-quarter virtual lab, in which they assisted in a faculty-designed research project. A comparison group of students was matched with the lab students based upon milestones in program progress (e.g., completion of all required courses). A measure of confidence in the development of research skills (measured with Bieschke and Bishop's [1994] Research Outcome Expectations scale), and a researcher designed research knowledge and skills self-assessment examined the students' experience, as well as weekly journals from the 3 quarters in the lab. In order to place the current virtual lab study into context, a brief history of labs in academia will be examined, as well as what is known about virtual research labs. (Stadtlander et al., in press, p. 1)

Another method to link ideas is to refer to the relationship between the information and your study (in purple).

Research outcome expectations have been identified as accounting for more variance in students' research interests than any other significant variable, including research self-efficacy beliefs (Bard, Bieschke, Herbert, & Eberz, 2000; Bishop & Bieschke, 1998), the research training environment (Bishop & Bieschke, 1998; Kahn, 2001), investigative interests (Kahn, 2001), and age (Bishop & Bieschke, 1998). Kahn has speculated that students may be unable to discriminate between their interest in research and their expectations about the outcomes that may result from engaging in research activities. In the present study, the Research Outcome Expectations Questionnaire (Bieschke & Bishop, 1994) was used as a measure of student researchers' confidence in the development of research competencies. (Stadtlander et al., 2013, p. 4)

Hopefully, this helps to give you some ideas how to link your different literatures.

Stadtlander, L., Giles, M. & Sickel, A. (2013).  The Virtual Research Lab: Research Outcomes Expectations, Research Knowledge, and the Graduate Student Experience. Journal of Educational Research and Practice, 3(1), 120-138.

Next time, we will welcome summer quarter. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu

Commitment

There's no abiding success without commitment. Anthony Robbins

What does commitment mean in terms of a dissertation? My guess would be that everyone would have his or her own views on this, but I will share with you mine. To me, dissertation commitment means first thinking beyond the paper itself. You want to think about why you are getting your doctorate and what that means to you. I truly believe it is that level of thought that will provide the drive to get the paper done.

On a more immediate level, I think commitment is showing up and being involved- which translates to communicating with your chair, reading the literature, and working on the paper. Getting done doesn't happen at the last moment, getting done is a day to day plodding along, doing something on your dissertation every day. You have to recognize that it is not going to be easy, some days it is very painful, you will feel rejected at times, and wonder if you can really do this. It is the commitment to keep going that will see through the process.

In many ways, making the decision to get your PhD and making the commitment to get it done are the most important aspects of the dissertation process. Once these decisions are made, the inertia will carry you through.

Returning to the quote, what does success mean in the dissertation context? I believe there are many aspects of this, finishing the dissertation, attending graduation, being called "doctor" for the first time, and getting a job. Believe it or not, that is only the beginning of a new process requiring new goals and new commitments. If you go into academics, there will be the goals of teaching your first classes, conducting more research, and moving up the organizational ladder. These elements are the "abiding success" of the quote.

Commitment. Day to day goals of writing a little more, reading another article. These will get you done!

Next time, we will look at how to link ideas and literature in your writing. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu

What should a lit review include?

From Judi: What exactly does a literature review entail to arrive at a description of the current state of the literature regarding your area of study?

Unfortunately, that is not an easy question, Judi! One of the best ways to approach the literature review is to take an historical approach. In this approach, you trace the development of the concept through time. So let's say you are interested in resilience in the elderly; you would want to see first when resilience begins showing up in the literature as a variable, then when it begins to be applied to the elderly. You would then want to discuss the various ways it has been examined in the population and what the research has reported. By the time you are done, it should be clear to the reader what the current state of the literature is.

One additional aspect that students don't consider is to include how your study will be addressing the issues. Let's say your lit review finds that the topic of resilience has not been applied to the oldest old (people over the age of 85), you would want to point out in your lit review that your study will be adding this element to the literature.

One thing to keep in mind as your write c. 2, by the end of the chapter the reader should be convinced that your study is the next logical step. To get the reader to this point it is important to be pointing out as you go what your study adds, then in the summary you can remind them of these points.

One final reminder, you need to be an expert in your area of study. This means you need to read everything you can find on the topic, even if it is not included in your paper.  Next time, we consider the topic of commitment. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu

Resilience

Have you heard of the concept of resilience? It is defined as reflecting the characteristics of inner strength, competence, optimism, flexibility, and the ability to cope effectively when faced with adversity (Wagnild & Young, 1990).

How does resilience apply to a dissertation? This is a long-term project often taking more than a year to complete, it will push you to your limits… in a sporting metaphor this is an ultra-marathon not a sprint. You will need to be tough – enduring criticism, learning new concepts, and coping with adversity when it arises. You will need to be optimistic and stay focused on the positives not the negatives. You will need to believe in yourself.

Take a few moments now and think about why you are getting your doctorate. To get a better job? Fulfill a lifetime goal? How important is it to you to do this? You are tapping into the basis of your resilience. That feeling of commitment will help carry you through the rough times. How to remember it? I suggest getting a photo or small token that reflects your goal. I remember for me it was a little red sports car that symbolized making my own money and choosing my own car. No, I didn’t get a sports car when I was done, but I did get a red Saturn sports coupe that I dearly loved.

What symbolizes your goal and commitment for you? Find something and put it where you will see it every day. Remember resilience: inner strength, competence, optimism, flexibility, and the ability to cope effectively when faced with adversity. I know I believe in you. You can do this!

Next time we take a look at what a it means to do a complete literature review. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu

Wagnild, G.M & Young, H. (1990). Resilience among older women. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 22, 252–255.

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Sometimes research feels like you aren’t really making progress… you read over the paragraph from yesterday and wonder “what was I thinking?” You discover an article with a study almost exactly like yours. Your chair (committee member, URR) wants yet another revision. How to keep going?

First, realize that while these are maddening, they are also a normal part of the process. It happens to everyone. The difference between the person with an ABD (all but dissertation) and a PhD is the second one keeps going. Yes, you will have days that feel like you are going backward, but you will also have days when you plunge ahead and make progress. Keep going.

Second, know that you are not alone, you have help available- just reach out. Your committee, the writing center and your peers are all available. Let’s consider for a moment how best to approach them. Despite the strong temptation, don’t whine, complain, and blame the world. Say what is going on and what you are looking for from the person. Here’s an example to a peer:

Hi Mindy,

Like you, I am working on my dissertation. I find I am really having problems keeping motivated, would you be interested in being a dissertation buddy with me? I am thinking that perhaps we could commit to contacting each other once a week or so and offering encouragement. It might help me if I felt accountable to you to get something specific done each week. What do you think?

Recognize that they may say no, and that is ok. But if they do say no, have someone else in mind to ask. Keep going until you find the person that you need. You are the only one who can find you the support that you need. It is an important element that may make the difference between your being ABD or having that PhD after your name.

Third, I find it really helpful to set a goal for the week and each day with my writing. What is realistic? Maybe 5 pages a week? Only you know what would be reasonable for you. But make yourself a commitment and stick to it. You will be shocked at the progress you will make. Be sure to allow time for editing, it a very important element of writing and will save you time in the long run.

Next time we will examine the concept of resilience and how it relates to your dissertation. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu

Sabotage

Are you sabotaging your dissertation progress? Do you find everything in the world to do other than writing? Just have to clean that thing that has been sitting there for 6 months, and can’t wait a moment more? How about convincing yourself that it is ok to visit your favorite websites instead of the library?

How to get back on track? First, I suggest some self-reflection. It is worth taking some time and thinking about why you are doing these delaying tactics. What it is that you are really avoiding? Is it facing an empty page? Or maybe it is the reality that you may get done with your doctorate and have to figure out the rest of your life? Only you can understand the issues.

Consider for a moment, all of the years you have spent working toward your degree, all of the money you have spent. Are you willing to let a paper stop you from reaching your goal? If it is the post-graduation steps that are worrying you, than begin doing some research in that area (but limit it, writing is more important!). One strategy that many find helpful is to set aside 15 minutes a day as official “worry time.” Set an alarm so you know it won’t last long and make a list of everything worrying you. If there is something that can be done now – write out a brief action plan and time table for it. Then set the worry list aside knowing it will be there tomorrow, so you don't need to spend any more time on it.

A few recommendations for specific issues:

If the dissertation process is concerning you, read:

Stadtlander, L. (2018). Finding Your Way to a Ph.D.: Advice from the Dissertation Mentor. CreateSpace Printing.

If it is the writing process, read:

Saltzman, J. (1993). If You Can Talk You Can Write

If you want to know about post graduate jobs, see the apa.org website. They have an entire career section, including job postings.

Only you can make your goal happen, take control of the path to get there.

Next time we will consider getting some support through your dissertation process. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu

Come, Look over My Shoulder: Organizing the Paper

As you may recall from my earlier post, I have been asked to write an article on the relationship between maternal and child obesity for a journal. In the earlier post, I showed you how I do literature searches. Today I will set up my paper and decide where I am going with it.

I have read the literature that I downloaded earlier and am now aware that there are several key issues: The effects of obesity on the mother in pregnancy and childbirth, the effects on the fetus and newborn, and long-term effects on the child. There is evidence from both human studies and animal studies related to the child issues, so I want to make sure I address both of these areas. My initial plan, depending upon how long the paper is at this point, is to end the paper with a brief discussion of weight gain in pregnancy and summarize the research concerning interventions to reduce maternal weight gain during pregnancy in obese women.

I like to begin writing a paper with a title- that way I can keep focused on where I am going. My starting title is: The Effect of Maternal Obesity on the Development of Child Obesity. I then do an initial outline:

I. The effects of obesity on the mother in pregnancy and childbirth

II. The effects on the fetus and newborn

              A. Human Studies

              B. Animal Studies

III. Long-term effects on the child

              A. Human Studies

              B. Animal Studies

(Maybe)

IV. Weight gain in pregnancy

V. Interventions

A first look, tells me I am going to be way over the 12 pages I am allowed if I include all of this. So I think I will add a very short discussion of weight gain to the mother topic and leave out interventions. I will concentrate on human studies, but may mention a few animal ones. My starting outline then for writing is:

I. The effects of obesity on the mother in pregnancy and childbirth

              A. Weight gain in pregnancy

II. The effects on the fetus and newborn

              A. Human Studies

              B. Animal Studies

III. Long-term effects on the child

              A. Human Studies

              B. Animal Studies

I like to set up my paper in APA format before I actually start writing, it lets me feel like I am not staring at a blank page. So next, I'll write out the cover page info, add page numbers, label the Abstract page (I will write this last), and add the title to my page 3, which will be the first page of the manuscript. I also add in my references as I write, so I set up a page for that.

My next step is to write an introduction, which I know I will probably change later. I want something that will grab the reader's attention and also give me focus as I write. I end up with this intro paragraph.

Marie is pregnant with her first child, at a weight of 200 pounds and with a height of 5'6" her body mass index (BMI) is 32, which is considered obese according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC; 2011). How could her obesity affect her health during pregnancy? How could her weight affect her baby and are there long-term implications for her child? This article will explore these issues.

I'm going to stop here for today, but I will let you know when I am ready to work on the body of the paper and you can join me again.

How does the process we went through relate to the writing of your dissertation? You need to decide what the key issues are before you begin writing; otherwise, the temptation will be to wander away from the topic. Most people have this problem (including me!), so put guides in place to keep you on track. This is the purpose of doing an outline, and thinking about the topics to cover before you start writing. The penalty for not doing this is that you may write many pages only to realize that they have absolutely nothing to do with your topic. Setting up your paper in advance, may help you avoid the paralysis of a blank page. Writing an interesting introduction grabs your reader and lets them know where you are going in your paper. Finally, I find it helpful to keep reminding myself that nothing is permanent when I am writing, I can and probably will change it later.

Next time will take a look at how you may be sabotaging your progress. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu

"A-motivation"

A-motivation, paralysis. A time during a project when you can't take that next step, sitting down at the computer seems impossible. Whether your paralysis is due to a fear of failure, lack of belief in yourself, learned helplessness or a lack of belief in the value of what you are trying to achieve, it feels hopeless. How to get out of this slump??

A few suggestions. First, I strongly suggest that you get yourself a support group; it is very hard to do this alone. How do you do that? If you know anyone locally working on a dissertation, you could have an in-person group. You could ask people in your dissertation class or others you know at Walden to join with you in a virtual group. I have had a text support group for students in my class- you could form one too. Everyone in the group agrees to text when they think or work on the paper and to also offer support and encouragement to the group. A group seem too much? Then get a dissertation buddy - one other person who will agree to support you at least once a week by email or phone (and vice versa).

Second, put together an "Achievement File". Sometimes we need to remind ourselves, that we are bright and capable. The Achievement file is for this. Include the successes you have had – those papers that you got an A on, maybe your transcript showing your great grades, the ribbon you won at the state fair, the photo of your kids, anything that makes you proud of your achievements. When you feel down, pull it out and remind yourself, you have done great things before and you can do it again!

Third, perhaps it is time to tweak your project. Think about- what would make you excited about the topic again? Are you tired of thinking about children and eating disorders? Maybe moving it to adulthood would give you a fresh perspective and enthusiasm.  Maybe switching from eating disorders to another topic would help. Sometimes just switching chapters helps, a shift from literature to research methods may be all you need.

If you have tried these and other ideas, and you still can't get interested, perhaps you need a break. You can take a leave of absence for a quarter, get your head together, and come back refreshed. If you go this route, I suggest really taking a break from school – read those trashy novels in your closet, go to the beach or mountains -do something totally different from your regular life. Give yourself a chance to recharge and think about the bigger issues of life. What do you really want to be doing in 5-10 years? What do you love doing? What makes you excited to get up in the morning? Where does getting a doctorate fit in the picture? If you think a leave of absence may be your solution, contact academic advising for help on setting it up.

Next time we'll look at issues related to committee members- getting that 2^nd member, and what do with them when you get them. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu

Come Look over My Shoulder: Writing

Previously we put together an outline for the maternal and child obesity article that I have been asked to write. Today I am going to talk you through beginning to write the paper. Rather than give you my actual writing, I think it may be more helpful to explain why I am approaching it in a certain way.

The first section from the outline was

I. The effects of obesity on the mother in pregnancy and childbirth

                   A. Weight gain in pregnancy

Remember when I talked about writing the literature review? I discussed starting your literature review broadly and narrowing it as you progress, which I will also do my paper. I want to present a case during my review, that the issue is real and should be of concern to the reader. So I will carefully lead them in this direction. First, I need to educate the reader on terms and definitions of what I will be talking about. I will start with explaining what I mean by obesity, and give some definitions. If I have any quotes it would be in this section. Since this paper is for practitioners (midwives and doulas) any guidelines as to how to recognize obesity that I can provide will be useful for them in their practice.

I want to show that obesity is first an issue in the US in general, so it would make sense to look at some stats from the National Institute of Health (NIH) or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) demonstrating the importance of the issue. Then I will narrow the topic to obesity and pregnancy- how many women are we talking about? This is also where I will discuss what is a normal weight gain during pregnancy and what is abnormal. I’ll discuss the interaction of pre-pregnancy obesity and weight gain during the pregnancy. What are the major health concerns during pregnancy for obese women?

Again, I want you to notice that I am guiding and educating my readers, do not assume that they know anything about the specific subject. Assume your readers are intelligent and experienced in their field, but do not use jargon. They can always skip over info they already know, but you can’t go back and fill in knowledge they are lacking.  Do not feel the need to write “academically,” typically such a style comes across as difficult to follow and makes the reader have to translate it; instead be logical, define terms, and guide them in the direction that you want them to go.

Next in my paper, I will look at the issues related to obesity and childbirth, how does it complicate giving birth? Again, my focus is on the mother, I will switch to the child in the 2^nd section. I keep reminding myself as I go – why do we care about this issue?

I always enter citations/ references as I go, and make notes to myself when I need to find a citation to support a statement I have made. Remember that any facts you state must have a citation. I also make notes (using comments in track changes) of areas that need more literature or need additional support from the literature.

Once I have a section that seems to be taking shape, I start the editing process – rereading and clarifying. I will start my next writing session by rereading what I wrote the last time and seeing if it still makes sense. Have I missed any steps in my logical argument? Have I led my reader to the point that I wanted to make in the section, that obesity is a serious issue for the mother during pregnancy and childbirth?

How does today’s writing relate to your dissertation? You also must educate your reader, build a logical argument, and demonstrate why your reader should care about the topic. As, potentially, a future reader of your paper, I beg you not to try to write “academically!” Your paper should be a careful balance between writing professionally about a technical subject and avoiding the use of the thesaurus just to impress. It does not impress me using convoluted language, I really prefer to understand what you are saying.

Next time I will talk about ways to re-motivate yourself when you are on in a major slump. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu

Blog Index

2019, Current to 5/1

Topic	Dates of Posts
Dissertation, general
Dissertation calculator
Selecting a Topic
Committee Members
Mentor Interviews
URR
Center for Research Quality
Overview of Process	2/13
Premise
Prospectus	1/25
Proposal	1/30
Research questions
Research design
Theory	1/23
C. 1
C. 2 (literature related)	1/7, 1/9, 1/14, 1/16, 1/21, 2/6, 4/10, 4/12, 4/29
C. 3
Defense
IRB
Data Collection
Quantitative	¾, 3/6, 3/8, 3/11, 3/13, 3/15
Qualitative
Mixed Methods
C. 4	2/1, 2/27
C. 5	2/22
Appendixes
Final Defense
Career	2/11, 4/17
Goal Form
Motivation	4/5
Organizing	2/15, 2/18
Secondary Data	4/24
Support, Getting	3/20
Resilience
Writing	3/24
Other	½, 1/11, 1/18, 2/20, 2/25, 3/18, 3/25, 3/27, 4/3, 4/16, 4/19, 4/22

Previous Years

Topic	Dates of Posts - 2014	Dates of Posts - 2015	Dates of Posts - 2016	Dates of Posts - 2018
Dissertation, general	6/25, 12/5	1/7, 3/6, 11/20, 12/16	4/8, 4/11, 5/11, 6/20, 8/29, 9/2	1/20, 2/1, 5/5, 5/24, 6/5, 7/17, 8/18
Dissertation calculator	9/5	3/9	4/15	8/21
Selecting a Topic	4/28, 5/9, 8/25		9/7	1/27
Committee Members	5/7, 10/8, 12/22	9/14, 10/14, 12/18	8/10, 9/19	5/1, 5/19, 5/26, 12/6
Mentor Interviews			9/21, 9/23, 9/26
URR
Center for Research Quality
Overview of Process
Prospectus	4/4, 4/7, 4/9, 4/11, 4/14, 4/18, 4/21, 4/23, 4/25, 4/28, 5/2, 5/5, 8/27		2/3
Proposal	9/8, 11/3, 11/5		2/5	6/7, 6/9, 6/14, 6/16, 6/19, 6/21, 6/23, 6/29, 6/30, 12/8
Research questions	4/18	6/19	4/13	2/10
Research Design		6/15, 6/22, 6/26		2/13, 2/17, 7/9
Theory		6/15, 6/17	2/1, 4/27, 5/2, 5/4	2/6, 2/8, 8/25
C. 1	11/7	3/11, 3/13, 3/16, 3/18, 3/20, 9/18, 9/21	3/23, 10/1, 10/3, 10/5, 10/7, 10/10, 10/12	8/23, 8/28, 8/30, 9/1, 12/11
C. 2 (literature related)	6/9, 6/11, 6/16, 9/10, 9/15, 9/17, 9/19, 9/26, 9/29, 11/10, 12/26	1/9, 3/23, 3/25, 3/27, 4/3, 4/8, 9/23, 10/21	1/4, 1/6, 1/8, 1/11, 1/13, 1/15, 1/20, 1/22,1/25, 2/10, 3/7, 3/9, 7/11, 7/13, 8/22, 10/14, 10/17, 10/19, 10/21, 10/24	1/11, 7/5, 9/8, 9/11, 9/13, 9/15, 9/18, 12/13
C. 3	1/3, 1/6, 1/13, 11/12	4/10, 4/13, 4/15, 4/17, 4/20, 4/22, 4/24, 4/27, 4/29, 5/4, 5/6, 5/8, 5/11, 5/13, 5/15, 5/18, 9/25	3/21, 3/25, 10/26, 10/28, 11/7, 11/9, 11/11, 11/14, 11/16, 11/18, 11/21, 11/25, 12/2, 12/3, 12/5, 12/7, 12/8	9/20, 9/22, 9/25, 9/27, 10/2, 10/4, 10/6, 10/9, 10/11, 10/13, 10/18, 10/20, 10/23, 10/25, 10/27, 11/3, 12/19
Defense		9/28		1/9, 12/20
IRB	1/10, 1/15, 1/17, 1/20, 1/22, 1/24, 1/27, 1/29, 2/3, 2/5, 2/7, 2/10, 2/12, 2/17, 2/19, 2/21, 2/24, 10/13, 10/15, 10/17, 10/20, 10/22, 10/24, 10/27	6/24 10/5	3/28, 4/4	2/15, 12/22
Data Collection		6/24, 11/23, 11/27, 12/4, 12/7, 12/9	6/3, 6/6, 6/8, 6/10, 6/13, 6/15, 6/17	2/20, 2/22, 2/24, 5/3, 7/19, 7/21, 7/26, 7/28, 7/31
Quantitative	1/3, 2/26, 3/12, 7/9, 7/14, 7/16, 7/18, 7/21, 7/23, 7/25, 7/28	5/4, 5/8, 5/11, 5/13, 5/15, 7/1, 7/6, 7/8, 7/13, 7/15, 7/17, 7/20, 7/22, 7/24	11/9, 11/11, 11/18, 11/25, 12/21	3/28, 4/3, 4/7, 4/10, 4/12, 4/14, 4/17, 4/19, 4/21, 4/24
Qualitative	1/6, 3/14, 10/29, 12/12, 12/15, 12/17, 12/19	1/5, 1/12, 10/19	5/16, 5/18, 5/20, 5/23, 8/1, 11/2, 11/4, 11/16, 12/3, 12/5, 12/7, 12/19, 12/26	3/8, 3/10, 3/17, 3/20, 3/22, 3/24 3/27
Mixed Methods	1/3, 1/6	4/10, 5/6, 5/8, 5/11, 5/13, 5/15	11/2, 11/4, 11/18, 11/25, 12/5, 12/7, 12/16, 12/19
C. 4	3/5, 3/10, 3/12, 3/14, 3/17, 3/19, 3/21, 11/14	5/20, 5/22, 5/25, 5/27, 6/3, 6/5, 10/7	9/16, 12/12, 12/14, 12/16, 12/19, 12/21, 12/26	1/2, 11/6, 11/8, 11/10, 11/13, 11/15, 12/25
C. 5	3/21, 3/24, 3/26, 3/28, 11/19	6/5, 6/8, 6/10, 6/12, 10/9		1/4, 11/20, 11/22, 11/27, 11/29, 12/4, 12/27
Appendixes
Final Defense		10/12		4/26
Career	8/18, 8/20		9/9	1/23
Goal Form	5/23, 5/26, 6/2, 8/15, 11/24
Motivation	1/1, 6/4, 6/6, 7/4, 7/11, 9/22, 10/10, 12/3	1/21, 3/2, 7/3, 7/10, 9/2, 9/4, 9/7, 9/9 9/11	5/9, 7/1, 7/4, 7/6, 7/8, 7/15, 7/20, 7/22, 7/25, 8/8, 8/15	6/2
Organizing	8/1, 8/4, 8/6, 8/8, 8/11, 8/13, 12/8	7/27, 7/29, 8/3, 8/5, 8/10	2/22, 2/24, 2/26, 3/4
Secondary Data	2/24			1/13
Support, Getting	5/21	1/26	8/17
Resilience		2/6, 2/16, 2/18, 2/20, 2/23, 2/25, 3/4	5/25, 5/27
Writing	5/16, 5/19, 6/16, 6/18, 6/20, 7/2, 7/7, 8/27, 12/10	1/14, 1/23, 2/9, 12/11, 12/14	3/11, 3/14, 3/16, 6/24, 7/18, 8/3, 8/5, 8/12, 8/26	1/16, 1/18
Other	2/14, 3/3, 3/7, 4/16, 5/12, 5/14, 5/28, 6/2, 6/13, 6/23, 6/27, 8/22, 9/1, 9/3, 9/12, 10/3, 10/6, 11/17, 11/26, 12/1, 12/24, 12/29, 12/31	1/16, 1/19, 1/28, 1/30, 2/4, 2/11, 2/13, 4/1, 4/6, 6/1, 8/12, 8/14, 8/19, 8/21, 8/24, 8/26, 8/31, 9/16, 10/2, 10/16, 10/23, 10/26, 10/28, 11/2, 11/4, 11/6, 11/9, 11/11, 11/13, 11/16, 11/18, 11/25, 12/2, 12/21, 12/23, 12/25, 12/28	1/1, 1/17, 1/29, 2/12, 2/15, 2/17, 3/2, 4/1, 4/6, 4/18, 4/20, 4/22, 4/25, 5/6, 5/13, 6/1, 6/22, 6/27, 7/27, 8/17, 8/19, 8/24, 9/12, 9/14, 9/19, 9/28, 11/23, 11/28, 12/23, 12/30	1/6, 1/25, 2/3, 3/1, 3/3, 3/13, 4/5, 5/8, 5/10, 5/12, 5/15, 5/15, 5/22, 5/29, 6/12, 7/10, 7/12, 7/14, 7/24, 8/2, 8/7, 8/9, 8/11, 8/14, 9/6, 11/23

Next time, I invite you to look over my shoulder as to I write an article. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu